Jatiya Nagorik Party’s (NCP) northern regional chief organiser and a candidate from 11-party alliance for the Panchagarh-1 constituency, Sarjis Alam on Monday issued a strong warning against vote rigging, saying he would not allow a single vote to be stolen “even at the cost of life.”
Addressing an election rally at Panchagarh High School ground in the afternoon, Sarjis Alam said anyone attempting to manipulate the vote would face serious consequences.
He urged Election Commission and all concerned authorities to remain vigilant to ensure a free and fair election.
He described February 12 election as more than a routine vote, calling it “a struggle for justice and liberation,” and expressed confidence that people would ultimately prevail in establishing their rights.
Alleging misconduct by BNP leaders and activists, Sarjis Alam claimed that despite strong rhetoric before elections, many leaders disappear afterward, while at the grassroots level they are accused of extortion, drug trafficking, intimidation, land grabbing and illegal control of sand and river resources.
Referring to the post-uprising period, he said that although minority temples and homes in Panchagarh were guarded, incidents of attacks and illegal occupation occurred in some areas due to political vendettas, alleging BNP involvement in those cases as well.
Sarjis Alam urged voters to identify what he described as “masked politicians” who present themselves as upright leaders while patronising criminals at the local level.
He said a single uprising was not enough to fully liberate the country, adding that the upcoming election was the only path to freedom from what he termed a “new form of authoritarianism”.
Responding to criticism over his age, he said many senior politicians were absent from the streets during times of crisis and argued that leaders who become active only during elections cannot be true representatives of the people.
He also assured that if elected, innocent leaders and activists of rival political parties would be able to engage in politics with dignity, adding that he was prepared to make the highest sacrifice if necessary to protect Panchagarh.
SIS/AM
